golf

The golf course is a par 71 challenge designed by the legendary A.W. Tillinghast. This highly regarded architect has a portfolio of notable courses which include among others, Baltusrol, Winged Foot, Ridgewood, Alpine, and Bethpage Black. Over the years, the greens became somewhat smaller due to the economic and manpower pressures of the 1930’s and 1940’s. Subsequently, a program to return to the original Tillinghast as defined by the course blue prints was initiated and the greens have been enlarged to reflect the original in every way. In addition, a new irrigation system was installed in 2007. The Forest Hill course is a well maintained rolling venue with fast, well-bunkered and contoured greens that provide a wide variety of putting challenges.

Course

As was Tillinghast’s trademark, each of the 18 holes is unique, taking advantage of the natural topography and bringing all elements of the game into play. Forest Hill has many challenging holes, like the long uphill 7th which requires an accurate drive followed by an equally accurate approach shot to a well bunkered green. Hole number 11 is arguably the most difficult hole on the golf course. A severe uphill tee shot requires length with an accurate drive as the fairway is bounded on the left by extreme rough and on the right by “non-negotiable” trees. The 11th green slopes back to front severely, creating some very fast and hard breaking putts. Water comes into play on 4 holes; the three par 5’s and the long dogleg 13th, a par 4.

Tillinghast signature

The grand finale to the golf day is what has become our signature hole: the par three 18th hole. It is unusual to finish your round with a par three but this is no ordinary three shot hole. It can play up to 200+ yards, uphill to a two tiered severely contoured green which is guarded by deep bunkers on both sides and protected by 40 yards of rough on the hill in front of the green.